Add to that the 11% of respondents who dip into their overdraft on a monthly basis and the one in four who do so "from time to time" and it becomes an increasingly pressing concern, particularly after factoring in the cost of recurring overdraft fees.

Overdraft charges can quickly add up, particularly for consumers that go into an unauthorised overdraft, and with 8% of respondents typically being charged £30 per month on interest and penalties it's money that could be put to far better use.

With that in mind, we've put together a few ideas on how to cut the cost of your overdraft and escape the cycle to get you back in the black.

Opt for a personal loan

For those well and truly stuck in the red, opting for a personal loan to clear the overdraft and get back on track can be a great solution. Unless you're lucky enough to enjoy a 0% interest deal with your bank the typical overdraft can cost anything from a modest 9.9% to a painful 18.9%, and although personal loan rates can be similar there's one key difference – there's a clear exit strategy in place with fixed monthly repayments meaning you'll be free from debt at a pre-set date, rather than continually going back into your overdraft.

Switch to a balance transfer credit card

Using a credit card can often be a much better alternative to relying on your overdraft, particularly if you manage it efficiently and pay off the full amount every month. Or, why not switch to a balance transfer credit card? Finding one that offers an introductory 0% interest rate can offer the same benefits as above, giving you the chance to pay off your debt without accumulating additional interest penalties.

Shop around to find the right account

For those who only dip into their overdraft occasionally and at relatively low levels, finding a bank account that has a good overdraft policy can be the best bet. Lots of accounts will offer so-called overdraft "buffers", typically allowing the account holder to go overdrawn by around £50 without incurring any interest or additional charges, whilst others might offer a 0% interest rate on pre-arranged or authorised overdrafts, so it's worth shopping around.

Savvy shoppers will no doubt be looking to make the most of their hard-earned cash at this time of year, but there isn’t much time left to work out which are the good deals and which are the bad, so it’s time to take action!

Savvy shoppers will no doubt be looking to make the most of their hard-earned cash at this time of year, but there isn’t much time left to work out which are the good deals and which are the bad, so it’s time to take action!